Best Golf Clubs in New Zealand

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Key Takeaways

Cape Kidnappers Golf Course and Kauri Cliffs Golf Course are ranked among the top 100 golf courses in the world.
Jacks Point Golf Course in Queenstown features dramatic elevation changes and stunning views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables mountain range.
New Zealand is a golfer's paradise, with top courses offering exceptional design, stunning scenery, and world-class facilities.

The Kinloch Club in Taupo and Millbrook Golf Club in Queenstown provide breathtaking scenery and lake views.
Cape Kidnappers, Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club, and Kauri Cliffs offer a links experience with challenging holes and stunning ocean views.

Top Golf Courses in NZ

With over 400 golf courses scattered across the country, you're spoiled for choice in New Zealand, but some stand out from the rest as must-play destinations for avid golfers.

Kiwi golf courses are renowned for their exceptional design, stunning scenery, and world-class facilities.

Cape Kidnappers Golf Course in Hawke's Bay and Kauri Cliffs Golf Course in Bay of Islands are ranked among the top 100 golf courses in the world, offering a supreme golf challenge with breathtaking views.

If you're a fan of links course styles, you'll love Jacks Point Golf Course in Queenstown, which features dramatic elevation changes and stunning views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables mountain range.

While Paraparaumu Beach Golf Course on the Kapiti Coast is another gem, known for its challenging layout and picturesque coastal setting.

New Zealand golf is a golfer's paradise, and these top courses are an endorsement to the country's reputation as a premier golfing destination.

Most Scenic Golfing Spots

Tee off amidst New Zealand's most breathtaking backdrops, where the country's diverse landscapes and clever course design come together to create unforgettable golfing experiences.

You'll find yourself surrounded by stunning alpine views at The Kinloch Club in Taupo, or amidst breathtaking scenery and lake views at Millbrook Golf Club in Queenstown.

For a more rugged experience, head to Cape Kidnappers, where the dramatic elevation changes and challenging holes are set against a stunning backdrop of rugged mountain ranges.

If coastal golf is more your style, Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club on the Kapiti Coast offers a serene experience with undulating fairways and challenging greens, all while taking in the stunning coastal views.

And for a truly exceptional golfing experience, Tara Iti's scenic links-style layout is a must-play.

With so many scenic spots to choose from, you'll find that golf in New Zealand is about more than just the game – it's about immersing yourself in the country's natural beauty.

Best Links Courses

As you step onto New Zealand's best links courses, you'll face a trio of challenges that'll test your skills.

You'll need to master the art of playing in windy conditions, navigate undulating greens that demand precision, and overcome the unique obstacles presented by coastal courses.

From Cape Kidnappers to Paraparaumu Beach, each course offers a distinct links experience that will push you to adapt and refine your game.

Coastal Course Challenges

New Zealand's stunning coastline provides the backdrop for some of the most thrilling links courses in the world, where unpredictable sea breezes and undulating terrain test your skills and strategy.

As you tee off, you'll be treated to breathtaking coastal views that'll leave you in awe. At Cape Kidnappers, you'll meander along cliffs on six holes, with the sea stretching out before you.

Similarly, at Kauri Cliffs, six holes wind along cliffs, offering stunning views of the ocean. Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club's undulating links-style layout provides a thrilling challenge, with elevation changes that'll keep you on your toes.

You'll need to adapt to the ever-changing conditions, using your irons and woods with precision to navigate the twists and turns. At Tara Iti, you'll face undulating terrain, fescue fairways, and waste areas, requiring strategic play to overcome the obstacles.

With these coastal course challenges, you'll be pushed to master your game and take your skills to the next level.

Windy Conditions Mastery

How do you master the art of tackling windy conditions on New Zealand's best links courses, where the gusts can be as unpredictable as the terrain itself?

To conquer the windy conditions on these links courses, you'll need to develop a solid strategy and technique.

Study the course: Familiarize yourself with the undulating terrain, elevation changes, and natural landscape of the course to anticipate how the wind will affect your shots.

Choose the right club: Select a club that will help you navigate the demanding carries and strong gusts, and be prepared to adapt to changing wind conditions.

Play strategically: Think ahead and plan your shots carefully, taking into account the wind direction and speed to maximize your chances of placing your shots in the right spot.

Practice your short game: Develop a strong short game to recover from wayward shots and capitalize on opportunities when the wind is in your favor.

Undulating Greens Navigation

You'll face a unique challenge on New Zealand's best links courses, where undulating greens demand precision and strategy to navigate their complex contours and subtle breaks.

Tom Doak's Cape Kidnappers Golf Course, for instance, requires a reliable putting stroke to overcome its challenging holes. Similarly, Jack Nicklaus' Kinloch Golf Club combines links and parkland characteristics, with swift, undulating greens that demand a precise short game to conquer its 6,734-meter course.

At Kauri Cliffs Golf Course, also designed by Tom Doak, accurate approach shots are vital to score well on its undulating greens.

Meanwhile, John Darby's Jacks Point Golf Course features dramatic elevation changes and undulating greens that demand precise navigation and a reliable short game.

Last but not least, Tom Doak's Tara Iti Golf Course boasts undulating terrain, fescue fairways, and waste areas that require precise navigation and a reliable short game to conquer its challenging holes.

With these courses, you'll need to refine your strategy, technique, and mental toughness to master the art of undulating greens navigation.

Top Rated Parkland Courses

Taupō emerges as a golfing hotspot, boasting not one, but two top-rated parkland courses that have earned their place among the best in the country. As you explore the best golf clubs in New Zealand, you'll discover that Taupō is a must-visit destination for any golf enthusiast.

Kinloch Golf Club: Designed by Jack Nicklaus, this premier parkland course features a links-parkland style layout with undulating fairways and strategically placed bunkers.

Wairakei Golf + Sanctuary: Crafted by Peter Thomson, Michael Wolveridge, and John Harris, this challenging layout boasts bunkers, ponds, and waterways that will test your skills.

Royal Wellington Golf Club: With a par of 72 and measuring 6,244 meters, this parkland course has hosted several international tournaments, including the New Zealand Open.

Kinloch Club: Measuring 6,734 meters with a par of 72, this course is considered one of the top golf courses in New Zealand, offering a unique and unforgettable golfing experience.

These top-rated parkland courses offer a unique blend of challenges, scenic beauty, and world-class design, making them a must-play for any golfer looking to master their game.

Golfing in the North Island

As you explore the North Island, you'll discover a diverse range of golfing experiences waiting for you.

From the scenic courses of Northland, where you can tee off amidst stunning natural beauty, to Auckland's premier golf clubs, which offer challenging play and world-class facilities, and finally, to Wellington's coastal links, which promise thrilling rounds with ocean views.

Which of these unique golfing destinations will you choose to experience first?

Northland's Scenic Golf Courses

Northland's stunning coastline and lush native forests provide a picturesque backdrop for some of the North Island's most scenic and challenging golf courses. As you tee off in this stunning region, you'll feel like you're playing in a postcard. Located north of Auckland, Northland offers a unique golfing experience that's hard to find anywhere else.

Kinloch Club: Known for its challenging layout and stunning views of the Cavalli Islands, this course is a must-play for any serious golfer.

Bay of Islands Golf Club: With its lush greens and picturesque surroundings, this course is perfect for a relaxing round of golf.

Waitangi Golf Club: Located north of Kerikeri, this course offers breathtaking views of the Long White Cloud and is a great spot for an island-hopping golf adventure.

Kauri Cliffs Golf Course: This championship course is set amidst 4,000 acres of rolling countryside and offers stunning views of the Cavalli Islands.

With its unique blend of scenic beauty and challenging courses, Northland is a golfer's paradise. So why not plan your next golfing trip to this stunning region and experience it for yourself?

Auckland's Premier Golf Clubs

In Auckland, you'll discover a treasure trove of premier golf clubs that offer a unique blend of challenging play and scenic beauty, making the city a must-visit destination for any golf enthusiast.

As a golfer, you'll have access to some of the country's most renowned courses, each with its own distinct character.

Take Titirangi Golf Club, for instance, which boasts the only Alister MacKenzie-designed course in New Zealand, set amidst native bush and scenic views.

Or, head to Wainui Golf Club, a links-style course with undulating fairways and strategically placed hazards, perfect for a challenging round.

If you're looking for private club status, Gulf Harbour Country Club's par-72 course, designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr, offers stunning views of the Hauraki Gulf.

The Grange Golf Club and Akarana Golf Club also offer par-72 courses with unique features, such as tree-lined fairways and challenging holes.

Whatever your preference, Auckland's premier golf clubs are sure to impress, with their picturesque settings and world-class facilities.

Wellington's Coastal Links

What makes Wellington's coastal links so appealing to golfers is the unique combination of challenging play and breathtaking ocean views that await you around every bend. As you tee off, you'll experience the thrill of links-style golf on the Kapiti Coast, where the wind, sea, and sand come together to test your skills.

Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club features undulating fairways and challenging greens with stunning coastal views, making it a must-play on the Kapiti Coast.

Both Paraparaumu Beach and Royal Wellington Golf Club offer challenging play yet enjoyable experiences for golfers of all skill levels, with par scores of 71 and 72, respectively.

Take in the breathtaking ocean views as you play, with views that'll leave you in awe.

After your game, unwind at the clubhouses, which offer fine dining and relaxation, making them perfect for a golfing getaway.

Whether you're a seasoned golfer or just starting out, Wellington's coastal links have something for everyone. So why not come and experience it for yourself?

South Island Golfing Hotspots

Queenstown, a haven for golf enthusiasts, boasts an impressive array of world-class courses that cater to diverse skill levels and preferences.

You'll find yourself spoiled for choice in this picturesque town, surrounded by the stunning Southern Alps.

Millbrook Resort, voted the Best Golf Resort in New Zealand, is a must-visit.

Its championship course offers a challenging round amidst breathtaking scenery.

Jack's Point, another Queenstown gem, features a links-style layout with dramatic elevation changes and spectacular views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables mountain range.

Beyond Queenstown, the South Island offers more exceptional golfing experiences.

The Hills Golf Club in Arrowtown is a must-play, with its 18-hole course featuring 10 serene lakes and numerous reflective ponds.

Clearwater Golf Club in Christchurch is a venue for international professional golf, offering a challenging round on its 18-hole course.

With so many top-rated courses, the South Island is an ideal location for a golfing holiday.

Whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner, you'll find a course that suits your style and skill level.

Must-Play Golf Resorts

As you plan your golfing adventure in New Zealand, you'll want to prioritize the country's top resorts, which offer unparalleled luxury and unforgettable experiences.

These must-play resorts boast scenic course designs that showcase the country's stunning natural beauty.

From world-class amenities to exceptional service, you can expect an unforgettable golfing getaway at these premier destinations.

Luxury Golfing Experiences Await

Your search for the ultimate luxury golfing experience in New Zealand ends at these exceptional resorts, where world-class courses, stunning scenery, and superior amenities await.

As a golfer, you'll appreciate the finest golf courses that New Zealand has to offer, strategically located near some of the country's most breathtaking landscapes.

Millbrook Resort, Queenstown: Experience luxury accommodation, fine dining, and a range of activities alongside its 27-hole golf course designed by Sir Bob Charles.

The Kinloch Club, Taupo: Play on a Jack Nicklaus signature design, featuring a links-parkland style course with undulating fairways and strategically placed hazards.

Cape Kidnappers Golf Course, Hawke's Bay: Tee off on a Tom Doak design that ranks among the world's top 100 golf courses, offering stunning coastal views and dramatic holes.

Kauri Cliffs Golf Course, Northland & Bay of Islands: Enjoy a Robert Trent Jones Jnr design that features six holes along cliffs overlooking the sea, with a par of 72 and a course length of 6,528 meters.

These luxury golf resorts offer internationally renowned golf experiences, perfect for those seeking the highest level of golfing excellence in New Zealand.

Scenic Course Designs Abound

Beyond the luxurious amenities, it's the meticulously crafted golf courses that truly set these resorts apart, with scenic designs that weave through New Zealand's most breathtaking landscapes. You'll find yourself immersed in the country's natural beauty, tackling challenging layouts that showcase the best of New Zealand's terrain.

Course	Designer	Par
Cape Kidnappers	Tom Doak	71
Kauri Cliffs	Tom Doak	72
Millbrook Resort	Sir Bob Charles & Greg Turner	72
Jacks Point	John Darby	72
The Kinloch Club	Jack Nicklaus	72

From the dramatic elevation changes and stunning coastal views at Cape Kidnappers, to the undulating fairways and strategically placed hazards at Millbrook Resort, each course has been carefully crafted to take advantage of its unique natural features. You'll experience the thrill of links-style courses at Jacks Point, and the stunning alpine views of Millbrook Resort. With courses designed by world-renowned architects like Robert Trent Jones and Jack Nicklaus, you can be sure you're playing on some of the best golf courses in the world.

World-Class Amenities Expected

Expect luxurious amenities and exceptional service at these must-play golf resorts, where world-class facilities and stunning natural surroundings combine to create an unforgettable golfing experience.

You'll find the finest international standards of hospitality and amenities at these top-rated resorts, making your golfing getaway truly special.

Millbrook Resort in Queenstown, voted the Best Golf Resort in New Zealand, offering luxury accommodation, fine dining, and a range of activities alongside its 27-hole golf course.

The Kinloch Club in Taupō, a Top 100 golf course and Jack Nicklaus signature design, featuring a Links-style course with a parkland character.

Kauri Cliffs Golf Course in Northland & Bay of Islands, ranked in the world top 100 and offering a supreme golf challenge with outstanding views.

Wairakei Golf + Sanctuary in Taupō, a world-class championship course in a wildlife sanctuary, featuring bunkers, ponds, and waterways that take their toll on wayward shots.

At these resorts, you can expect luxury accommodations, fine dining, and exceptional service, making your golfing experience truly unforgettable.

Best Golf Courses for Beginners

If you're new to golf, finding a course that's forgiving and easy to navigate is essential, and New Zealand has plenty of options to get you started.

You'll want to look for courses with gentle terrain, wide fairways, and fewer obstacles to help you build your confidence.

Wairakei Golf + Sanctuary near Taupo is a great option, with its gentle terrain and wide fairways making it easy to navigate. The Kinloch Club in Taupo offers a more forgiving layout, with fewer bunkers and a focus on strategic play rather than punishing rough.

In Queenstown, Jacks Point provides a scenic and accessible course with a links-style layout and generous fairways, allowing for a more enjoyable learning experience.

Millbrook Resort also offers a more forgiving course, with wider fairways and larger greens that make it easier to learn and improve.

These beginner-friendly courses will help you develop your skills and build your passion for the game. With these options, you can focus on mastering your swing and having a great time on the course.

Challenging Courses for Pros

When you're a seasoned pro looking to put your skills to the test, New Zealand's challenging courses will push you to your limits with their tight fairways, undulating greens, and strategically placed hazards.

To take your game to the next level, consider the following courses:

Kinloch Club: Designed by Jack Nicklaus, this course has hosted several New Zealand Opens and offers reasonable green fees. Its challenging layout and undulating greens will test even the most skilled players.
The Dunes at Matarangi: Trent Jones Jr's masterpiece features tight fairways and strategically placed bunkers, making it a true challenge for pros.
Paraparaumu Beach: This course boasts holes that will test your skills, including the signature hole 13, which requires a precise shot over water to reach the green. Brandt Snedeker, who won the 2013 New Zealand Open here, can attest to its difficulty.

Clearwater Resort: Located in Christchurch, this course features challenging holes and stunning scenery, making it a must-play for pros visiting the region.

These courses in New Zealand will push you to your limits and help you refine your skills. Are you up for the challenge?

Unique Golfing Experiences

Stepping onto New Zealand's world-class Marquee Courses, you'll venture on a unique golfing adventure amidst breathtaking landscapes, where dramatic elevation changes, stunning coastal views, and challenging layouts await. You'll have the opportunity to play on some of New Zealand's finest courses, designed by legendary international professionals like Jack Nicklaus and Tom Doak.

Course	Location	Designer
The Kinloch Club	Taupo	Jack Nicklaus
Cape Kidnappers Golf Course	Hawke's Bay	Tom Doak
The Millbrook Resort	Queenstown	Sir Bob Charles and Greg Turner
Kauri Cliffs Golf Course	Northland & Bay of Islands	Matt Dusenberry

These near-marquee courses offer a range of challenges and experiences, from the classic links-style layout of The Kinloch Club to the stunning coastal views of Cape Kidnappers. With elevation changes, undulating greens, and challenging layouts, these courses will test your skills and leave you with unforgettable memories. Whether you're an experienced pro or an enthusiastic amateur, New Zealand's unique golfing experiences are sure to leave you in awe.

Golfing in New Zealand's Cities

Beyond the scenic landscapes of New Zealand's marquee courses, you'll discover a range of exceptional golfing opportunities in the country's vibrant cities, each offering its own unique blend of challenges and attractions.

From Auckland to Queenstown, you'll find courses that cater to all skill levels and preferences.

Auckland: Titirangi Golf Club, designed by Dr. Alister MacKenzie, is a must-play for its unique layout and challenging holes.

Wellington: Royal Wellington Golf Club has hosted several national championships and offers a world-class golfing experience.

Queenstown: Millbrook Resort is a premier golfing destination, having hosted the New Zealand Open and ranked among the top resort courses in the Asia-Pacific region.

Christchurch: Clearwater Golf Club is a top-rated course that has hosted the New Zealand Women's Open and offers a challenging yet scenic round of golf.

These city courses offer a unique golfing experience, with each one providing a distinct character and charm. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner, you'll find a course that suits your style in New Zealand's cities, from which you can consider exploring further or simply enjoying a round at.

Hidden Gem Golf Courses

Venture off the beaten path to uncover New Zealand's hidden gem golf courses, where you'll discover a collection of unique and breathtakingly beautiful tracks that will challenge and delight even the most discerning golfers.

Hidden Gem Golf Course	Location
Wairakei Golf + Sanctuary	Taupo
Jack's Point	Queenstown
Arrowtown Golf Club	Arrowtown

These hidden gems offer an unforgettable golfing experience amidst stunning natural beauty. At Wairakei Golf + Sanctuary, you'll navigate through a challenging round surrounded by a wildlife sanctuary. Jack's Point in Queenstown provides a dramatic and challenging round amidst breathtaking alpine scenery. Arrowtown Golf Club offers a unique and authentic golfing experience with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. If you're looking for more, The Kinloch Club in Taupo and The Hills Golf Club in Arrowtown are also worth exploring. Each course promises an exceptional golfing experience that will leave you wanting more. So, venture off the beaten path and discover the hidden gems of New Zealand's golfing scene.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Is the Best Course in New Zealand?

You're wondering which course reigns supreme in NZ? Stop your search! Cape Kidnappers' scenic layout, coastal greens, and challenging holes make it a golfing heaven, earning a world ranking and par excellence status with dramatic views.

Has Tiger Woods Played Golf in New Zealand?

You've scoured the globe for Tiger's tracks, but surprisingly, he's never set foot on Kiwi soil to tackle the challenging courses, defying New Zealanders' opinions that he'd conquer their local rivals, despite exclusive invitations to private tournaments.

How Many Golf Courses Are There in New Zealand?

You'll find a staggering 396 golf courses in New Zealand, boasting a high course density that showcases the country's rich golf culture, with varying club selections, lush green spaces, and picturesque rural landscapes waiting to be explored.

Which New Zealand Golf Course Can You Only Play Once?

You'll discover that the elusive Cape Kidnappers Golf Course, nestled in a remote location, offers limited access to its island greens, making it a secret course only accessible through exclusive membership or private estates, with restricted tee times.

Conclusion

You've explored the best golf clubs in New Zealand, from scenic links courses to hidden gems.

As you plan your next golfing adventure, consider this: did you know that New Zealand has more golf courses per capita than anywhere else in the world?

With over 400 courses across the country, you're spoiled for choice.

Whether you're a pro or just starting out, New Zealand's stunning landscapes and world-class courses make it a golfer's paradise.